Lena Hughes

Lena Hughes (1904–1998) was a renowned guitar, fiddle, and banjo player known for her exceptional skills in the 'parlor music' genre. Born and raised in Missouri, she lived most of her life in Ludlow. Hughes began playing banjo at the age of nine and soon became a regular performer at square dances. Alongside her husband, Jake, who played guitar, she entertained audiences at folk festivals and various events, showcasing the popular 19th-century parlor music repertoire. In the 1960s, Hughes achieved recognition by winning several fiddling competitions. Though she released just one record during her lifetime, titled 'Lena Hughes,' it became a revered piece of the 20th-century Ozark folk music scene. The album was later re-released as 'Queen of the Flat-Top Guitar' and gained further recognition.